Ray Darnell

Ray was born on November 3, 1935, in Osborne, Kansas, to Lloyd Ross and Marjorie Lee (Kapfer) Darnell. He grew up in Kansas, where he developed a love for sports and a strong work ethic that would shape the rest of his life. After graduating from high school, and at the encouragement of a friend, Ray chose to enlist in the United States Air Force in February 1954. He was stationed in Lackland, Texas, and later at George Air Force Base in California, where he served honorably until his discharge in October 1957.

Not long after his military service, Ray met the love of his life, Sharon Annette Thomason. They were married on August 29, 1958, in Victorville, California, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in love, dedication, and hard work that would span 67 years. Together, they created a home where people felt welcomed, valued, and truly belonged, something they demonstrated through the way they opened their hearts and home to others through fostering and adoption.

Ray had a zest for life and a willingness to try new things. While attending college for veterans, he discovered a love for water skiing that became a lifelong passion and a treasured family activity. Even after losing part of a finger in a trick skiing accident (something he would jokingly tell his grandchildren was caused by an “alligator”) his determination and sense of humor never wavered. He simply kept going, setting an example of resilience and optimism for those around him.

Ray pursued his education in engineering at Pierce College and later at California State University, Fresno. He and Sharon eventually settled in Prather, California, where they built their life and raised their family. In the early 1970s, Ray began his career as a Manufacturing Engineer with JPL where his intelligence, problem-solving skills, and dedication were highly valued until his retirement in 2003.

Ray was a man of quiet strength, integrity, and deep devotion to his family. He was a true builder, whether working in his workshop, fixing things around the yard, or creating things with his hands. His hardworking hands reflected a lifetime of effort, care, and craftsmanship.

He loved the outdoors and found joy in the simple, meaningful moments; being in the sunshine, working on a project, or sitting on the deck with a book and a cup of coffee. He had a gift for storytelling and conversation, always ready with a memory, a joke, or a witty remark that could bring a smile or a laugh. He was easy to talk to, and people naturally felt comfortable around him.

Ray was incredibly thoughtful and present. As a father and grandfather, he showed up for the big milestones and the everyday moments alike. Whether attending weddings, graduations, sporting and school events, teaching his kids to weld or wood work, tinkering on a car, going to the store to get ice cream, or reading them a book, he made each child feel important. Even in his later years, when getting around became more difficult, he found ways to stay connected. If something was important to someone he loved, it was important to him.

He and Sharon shared a love of travel and adventure, often sending postcards from the places they visited, staying connected to those they loved no matter the distance.

Ray is preceded in death by both his parents and his siblings. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, his four children, Denise Scott, her husband Wayne, Michael Darnell, Patrick Darnell, his wife Julie, and Kari Darnell, fifteen grandkids, ten great-grandkids, numerous nieces and nephews. Papa Ray will be deeply missed.

Viewing will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Funeral Home in Fresno on April 16, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00pm. Services will follow in the chapel. Interment will be at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA on April 17, 2026, at 11:30 am.